2014–2016 Graduate Catalog

The Graduate Catalog is a record of the 2014–2016 academic years. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract. Faculty assignments and programs listed are subject to change. Courses are not necessarily offered each term or each year. Individual departments or units should be consulted for current information regarding programs, faculty, and regularity of course offerings.

The online catalog is updated as degree programs, courses, and requirements change.

The online catalog is an academic planning tool for graduate students. The online catalog is divided into five major sections. In addition, the catalog provides a listing of the graduate faculty and links to the Graduate College website and catalog archive.

Each section of the online catalog provides information necessary for the academic planning process. A brief description of each major section is provided below.

The University

The University section provides an overview of the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Graduate Study at UIC

The Graduate Study at UIC section outlines admissions, application, degree requirement, and university information pertinent to all Graduate College students. This section also contains a list of graduate faculty.

Degree Programs

The Degree Programs section lists all graduate and professional degree programs and certificate programs available at UIC. It also provides a list of program updates and changes.

Colleges & Schools

The Colleges & Schools section describes graduate degree programs and their requirements in detail. Students use this section of the catalog to ensure that they understand and meet all requirements for their degree program.

Graduate Course Descriptions

The Graduate Course Descriptions section lists all the graduate courses at UIC. The course descriptions are arranged alphabetically by subject area. Each course description includes a rubric (subject area abbreviation), course number, course title, semester hours, prerequisites (if any), and course content. A list of rubrics may be found at the beginning of the Graduate Course Descriptions section.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The commitment of the University of Illinois to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity requires that decisions involving students and employees be based on individual merit and be free from invidious discrimination in all its forms.

The University of Illinois will not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations. The nondiscrimination policy applies to admissions, employment, access to and treatment in the University programs and activities.

University complaint and grievance procedures provide employees and students with the means for the resolution of complaints that allege a violation of this Statement. Members of the public should direct their inquiries or complaints to the appropriate equal opportunity office.

Policy Council
Revised May 31, 2005

Chancellor’s Statement of Commitment to Persons with Disabilities

Guided by the belief that people with disabilities are assets to the University, UIC is committed to full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of University life. We seek to provide an academic, social, and physical environment that makes disabled people integral to the diversity of perspectives that is vital to an academic community. UIC supports the principles of universally accessible design, alternative communication formats, and the expression of disability community and pride. At all levels of the University, UIC promotes equal opportunity, fair treatment, and the elimination of barriers for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Office for Access and Equity

For additional information or assistance with the equal opportunity, affirmative action, and harassment policies and procedures of the University of Illinois at Chicago, please contact:

Public Formal Grievance Procedures University of Illinois at Chicago

I. Introduction

These procedures have been implemented to address complaints of discrimination on the basis of age and/or disability in any activity, policy, rule, standard, or method of administration that is related to the operation of University’s programs.

II. Eligibility

These procedures may be used by any member of the public who alleges age (Under the Age Discrimination Act) or disability (Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act) discrimination on the basis of class. However, anyone who wishes to challenge a decision made about them by an agent of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in the course of their employment or enrollment at UIC must utilize the UIC Academic Grievance Procedures.

III. Definitions

A. Grievance: A written statement submitted by a Grievant identifying the activity, policy, rule, standard or method of administration he/she claims to be discriminatory on the basis of age and/or disability and explaining the manner in which that activity, policy, rule, standard or method of administration discriminates. All Grievances must be signed by the Grievant and must outline the Grievant’s allegations in as much detail as possible.

B. Grievant: Any member of the public who submits a Grievance.

C. Grievance Officer: The assigned investigator of the UIC Office for Access and Equity can be contacted at the address below:

D. Appeals Officer: The Associate Chancellor for Access and Equity or his/her designee.

E. Days: Any reference to “days” herein shall refer to business days (excluding weekends and federal holidays).

F. Record: The complete record of a Grievance will consist of the original Grievance and any supporting information or documentation submitted with that Grievance, the Grievance Officer’s findings, the Appeal (if any) and any additional information or documentation submitted with the Appeal, the Appeal Officer’s findings, and any communications and notices relative to the Grievance. The Record will be maintained for at least five (5) years following the final decision.

IV. Grievance Process

Filing of the Grievance: The Grievant must file his/her Grievance with the Grievance Officer no later than ten (10) days after he/she becomes aware of the offending activity, policy, standard or method of administration.

Investigation: The Grievance Officer shall conduct an appropriate investigation of the issues raised in the Grievance. The Grievant shall be given an opportunity to submit any relevant evidence he/she may have to support the Grievance. Within fourteen days (14) of submission of the Grievance, the Grievance Officer shall issue his/her findings. In the event the Grievance Officer finds evidence of discrimination in the activity, policy, standard or method of administration, he/she shall make recommendations for change(s) and shall coordinate the efforts for change(s) with the department/unit/college whose activity, policy, standard or method of administration is at issue. Furthermore, in the event that the individual was adversely affected by a decision made pursuant to a discriminatory process, policy, activity, standard or method of administration, the individual will be given the opportunity for the decision to be reconsidered according to the revised process, policy, etc. In those cases where the Grievance Officer finds no evidence of discrimination, he/she shall send written notice of that finding to the Grievant within that 14-day time period. Said notice shall inform the Grievant of his/her right to appeal the finding to the Appeals Officer within five (5) days of receipt of the notice.

Appeal: An appeal of the Grievance Officer’s findings must be in writing and must state the basis for the appeal, providing any additional evidence or information that may support the Grievant’s claim of discrimination. The Appeals Officer shall review the Grievance Officer’s record and any information/evidence submitted with the Appeal and shall issue findings within ten (10) days of receipt of the appeal. In the event the Appeals Officer finds evidence of discrimination in the activity, policy, standard or method of administration, he/she shall make recommendations for changes. In those cases where the Appeals Officer finds no evidence of discrimination, he/she shall send written notice of that finding to the Grievant within that 10-day time period. There shall be no further levels of review or appeal beyond the Appeals Officer.

Deviation from the Process: Upon proof of extenuating circumstances, the Chancellor and only the Chancellor may approve a deviation from these procedures (e.g., extension of a deadline).